Where to see whales in Quebec?
See whales in Quebec is one of the most memorable experiences you can have during a trip to Canada. The St. Lawrence River welcomes no less than 13 species of cetaceans each summer, from the majestic blue whale to the charming beluga.
From Tadoussac to Gaspésie, passing through Bas-Saint-Laurent, these giants of the sea put on an unforgettable show in breathtaking landscapes. Whether you choose a zodiac cruise, a kayak outing, or even watching from shore, every encounter with these marine mammals will remain etched in your memory.
Here is your comprehensive guide for planning the best whale-watching safari during your next road trip in Quebec.
Where to see whales in Bas St-Laurent?
The Bas-St-Laurent region is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River.
According to National Geographic magazine, this region is home to the second most beautiful sunsets in the world, after those of Hawaii.
In addition to offering spectacular scenery, it is also a very good place in Quebec for a whale watching cruise, a must-do activity forwildlife watching in Quebec.
Here are two perfect spots for whale watching in Bas-Saint-Laurent:
1. Cacouna
Located about 4 hours from Montreal, the small town of Cacouna, just next to Rivière-du-Loup, is one of the best places in the Bas-Saint-Laurent to observe whales from shore.
From the coastline, the land-based marine mammal observation platform Putep ’t-awt provides privileged access to a section of the St. Lawrence River frequently visited by beluga whales, as well as fin whales and, at times, minke whales.
Whale watching here is peaceful and unhurried, with no boat required, at the end of an easy and accessible 2 km walking trail, which takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on your pace and observation stops.
At the top of Gros-Cacouna Mountain, a purpose-built observation deck offers sweeping views over the river and increases the chances of spotting marine mammals as they move through the area. Designed in accordance with the architectural guidelines of the Wahsipekuk community, the site includes one area dedicated to beluga research and another open to the public.
An immersive guided activity, focused on understanding and discovering the life of beluga whales, is offered on site by an interpretive guide.
2. L'Île Verte
Île Verte (officially Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs) is a small island 13 kilometers long, easily accessible by ferry.
Once you've arrived, the view you'll have of the St. Lawrence estuary and the Charlevoix mountains is absolutely breathtaking.
From the shore, the western tip of the island is the best place to spot whales hunting for food.
As the roads are not paved, using a car is not recommended. Biking, on the other hand, is an excellent way to get around. That way, you can stop wherever you like and enjoy the gentle sea breeze. If you want to rent bicycles, note that a reservation must be made in advance.
Keep your eyes open because, in addition to whales, you might spot land animals like the white-tailed deer, fox, and hare.
Where to see whales in Gaspésie?
Located in the southeast of the province, Gaspésie is a vast peninsula that is an absolute must-see.
To give you an idea of the region's size, it's comparable to that of Belgium. Quite something!
Famous for its Percé Rock, it abounds in natural treasures, each more beautiful than the last. Among them are its marine landscapes that allow for whale watching, whether by boat, zodiac, or kayak, in a truly stunning setting.
Here are my 2 favorite places to see whales in Gaspésie:
1. Forillon National Park
Located about 10 hours’ drive from Montreal, you’ll understand that people don’t visit Forillon Park for just a quick weekend trip from the metropolis.
That being said, it's an excellent destination for a longer Gaspésie road trip and for whale and dolphin watching.
In fact, you can already spot them from land, from the lookouts at Cap-Bon-Ami or Cap-des-Rosiers.
If you want to venture out on the water, Croisières Baie-de-Gaspé offers whale watching aboard a large, very comfortable ship. An interpretive guide will accompany you at sea for 2.5 hours. More than 7 types of whales may be sighted, including the blue whale and humpback whale.
Otherwise, for the more athletic, Cap Aventure offers guided sea kayak tours to meet seals. And since whales come to Gaspé Bay to feed, it is not uncommon to be surprised by cetaceans during excursions.
2. Percé Bay
Percé Bay is at the tip of the peninsula, very close to Forillon Park. From Montreal, it’s about 11 hours by car to get there.
The small village of Percé is located just in front of Bonaventure Island, where you can see the largest concentration of Northern Gannets from April to October. It’s also an excellent spot to spot whales from the shore.
For those with sea legs, Les Croisières Julien Cloutier offers 2.5-hour whale watching trips, from mid-May to late October. On board a boat with a maximum capacity of 50 passengers or a zodiac, an unforgettable experience awaits you.
Les Bateliers de Percé also offers whale cruises aboard a heated and air-conditioned ship, or by zodiac. Note that in May, departures are on request. I highly suggest calling before showing up.
TOP 3 best road trips for whale watching in Quebec
Where to see whales on the Côte-Nord?
Haute-Côte-Nord is nothing less than the best region for whale watching in the St. Lawrence estuary, due to the incredible amount of food present in its deep waters.
The villages of Tadoussac, Les Bergeronnes, and Les Escoumins are all located about 6 hours from Montreal, which makes this destination pretty accessible for a weekend getaway.
Here are 3 must-see places to spot whales on the Côte-Nord:
1. Tadoussac
Whale watching by cruise from Tadoussac
Set out for a whale watching excursion in Tadoussac, the oldest village in Canada. Located at the mouth of the Saguenay fjord, it's considered to be an international-caliber site for whale watching. No surprise that whale-watching cruises are the star attraction here!
From mid-May to mid-October, whether by zodiac or boat, Croisières AML will help you discover these giants of the sea. Accompanied by a naturalist guide and always respecting a safe distance between the vessel and the marine mammals, your chances of seeing a whale are quite high.
Whale watching in Tadoussac from land
Don’t have sea legs or prefer to stay on dry land? No worries! The Pointe-de-l'Islet Trail is your best ally to spot marine mammals from shore. This easy 0.8 km trail takes you in just 20 minutes to an exceptional viewpoint at the mouth of the fjord.
From this beautiful Quebec village, you’ll have excellent chances to spot belugas and minke whales that sometimes come within a few meters of the shore.
2. Les Bergeronnes
Located about fifteen minutes by car from Tadoussac, the village of Les Bergeronnes is a little less frequented by tourists than Tadoussac.
For land-based whale watching, I strongly suggest visiting the Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre, a site belonging to Parks Canada.
Otherwise, by settling on the rocks, you have the chance to spot up to 13 species of whales, including the St. Lawrence beluga, which is unfortunately endangered.
Regarding cruises, the company Croisière Essipit offers 2-hour outings by zodiac. The inflatable boats have a maximum capacity of 12 passengers, allowing the naturalist pilot to establish a personalized contact with clients. This company belongs to the Essipit Innu community and thus promotes indigenous tourism. The captain will be happy to tell you about their ancient beliefs.
For those tempted by sea kayaking, 2 companies offer sea outings giving you the chance to see whales (though it’s not guaranteed): Mer et Monde Écotours and Paradis Marin. These tours are guided and last about 3 hours. Please note, it’s important to be in good physical shape.
3. Les Escoumins
The village of Les Escoumins is located a 50-minute drive north of Les Bergeronnes and one hour from Tadoussac.
Much less busy than the previous two villages, it’s an excellent destination to watch whales.
If you want to escape the crowds of tourists and still go on an excursion, note that 2 companies offer sea outings by zodiac only.
First, Croisières Escoumins. Personally, I love this company because prices are very reasonable and the quality of the zodiacs is excellent. However, note that one of their boats can take up to 36 people. You might say that's a lot for one zodiac, right? Actually, doing this helps reduce the number of boats on the water, for the well-being of the whales.
Finally, the company Les Écumeurs du Saint-Laurent is also a small whale excursion company. Excursion duration varies between 2h00 to 2h30 and prices are very similar, even identical, to Croisières Escoumins. If you prefer smaller zodiacs, note that the maximum passenger capacity is 12. You should know that you can get a 10% discount by booking your spot on their 7:00 a.m. departure.
Where to Watch Whales in Quebec: The Best Spots by Region
| Region | Place / City | Type of Viewing | Highlights / Authentik Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Côte-Nord | Tadoussac | From shore and by cruise (boat or zodiac) | Iconic site of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. Possible viewing from Pointe-de-l’Islet. Best times: morning or late afternoon. |
| Côte-Nord | Les Bergeronnes | From shore and by zodiac | Less touristy than Tadoussac. Excellent spot at Cap-de-Bon-Désir (Parks Canada). Zodiac tours with Croisières Essipit or kayak with Mer et Monde Écotours. |
| Côte-Nord | Les Escoumins | By zodiac only | Less frequented, more intimate atmosphere. Excursions with Croisières Escoumins or Les Écumeurs du Saint-Laurent. Great value for money. |
| Bas-Saint-Laurent | Rivière-du-Loup | From shore and by cruise | Accessible from Montreal (~4h). Excursions with Croisières AML. Possibility to spot belugas and rorquals from the wharf. |
| Bas-Saint-Laurent | Île Verte | Shore-based viewing | Accessible by ferry. Best spot: west point. Ideal by bike. Calm ambiance, beautiful views of Charlevoix. |
| Gaspésie | Forillon National Park | From shore, by boat, or by kayak | Superb land viewpoints: Cap-Bon-Ami and Cap-des-Rosiers. Excursions with Croisières Baie-de-Gaspé or Cap Aventure (kayak). |
| Gaspésie | Baie de Percé | From shore and by cruise | Viewing near Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island. Excursions with Croisières Julien Cloutier or Les Bateliers de Percé. |
Ready to Meet Quebec's Whales?
If you're looking for a holiday in Quebec that's a bit (a lot) off the beaten track, know that you can also spot whales in Lower North Shore, between Rivière-au-Tonnerre and Havre-Saint-Pierre, as well as on Anticosti Island.
To conclude, keep in mind that spotting marine mammals in the wild doesn't guarantee a dramatic whale leap a few meters from your boat. They are free to appear whenever they wish, and that's what makes this activity so authentic and exciting.
Arrive with realistic expectations, and I'm sure luck will be on your side!
If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments section below.
FAQ
Where can you see whales in Canada?
On the Atlantic coast, the Bay of Fundy between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia is home to right whales and rorquals. The Magdalen Islands will impress you with their breathtaking views of the North Atlantic.
On the west side, Vancouver and Vancouver Island are top destinations for spotting orcas and belugas in their natural habitat. These regions benefit from significant conservation initiatives that protect these marine giants.
When can you watch whales in the St. Lawrence?
Can you see whales from the shore in Quebec?
About the author
![Sarah Mazière]()
Sarah Mazière
Travel, nature and road trips are an integral part of my recipe for happiness. I had the chance to travel the country coast to coast on several occasions, so it is with great pleasure that I share my experiences with you! Have a nice trip...
Travel, nature and road trips are an integral part of my recipe for happiness. I had the chance to travel the country coast to coast on several occasions, so it is with great pleasure that I share my experiences with you! Have a nice trip...
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